Doc Rivers, Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Amar'e Stoudemire Inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame

The 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class includes a legendary NBA coach, two WNBA greats, and a Phoenix Suns star.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:42pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette, conceptually representing the multifaceted careers and legacies of the inductees.This Hall of Fame class represents the diverse brilliance and enduring impact of basketball's greatest players and coaches.Los Angeles Today

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was reportedly revealed, including Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers, WNBA legends Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne, and former Phoenix Suns player Amar'e Stoudemire. The official announcement is expected on April 4, and the inductees will be enshrined in August.

Why it matters

This class highlights the enduring impact of these basketball icons, from Rivers' coaching success across multiple teams to Parker and Delle Donne's dominance in the WNBA, and Stoudemire's All-Star career with the Suns. Their induction solidifies their legacies as some of the greatest players and coaches the sport has ever seen.

The details

Rivers, who has a .580 winning percentage and 1,191 career victories (6th all-time), led the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008 and two Finals appearances. Parker was a 7-time All-WNBA first-teamer, 2-time MVP, and 2-time champion with the Sparks. Delle Donne was a 4-time All-WNBA first-teamer, 2-time MVP, and 1-time champion with the Mystics, overcoming injuries to have a Hall of Fame career. Stoudemire was the 2003 Rookie of the Year, made 6 All-Star teams, and had his No. 32 jersey retired by the Suns.

  • The official Hall of Fame announcement is expected on April 4, 2026 at 12pm ET on ESPN2.
  • The inductees will be enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame between August 14-15, 2026.

The players

Doc Rivers

Milwaukee Bucks head coach who has a .580 winning percentage and 1,191 career victories (6th all-time) over 27 seasons, including leading the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008.

Candace Parker

WNBA legend who was a 7-time All-WNBA first-teamer, 2-time MVP, and 2-time champion with the Los Angeles Sparks over her 16-year career.

Elena Delle Donne

WNBA star who was a 4-time All-WNBA first-teamer, 2-time MVP, and 1-time champion with the Washington Mystics, overcoming injuries to have a Hall of Fame career.

Amar'e Stoudemire

Phoenix Suns legend who was the 2003 Rookie of the Year, made 6 All-Star teams, and had his No. 32 jersey retired by the Suns.

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What they’re saying

“This class represents the very best of basketball, from the coaching brilliance of Doc Rivers to the transcendent talents of Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne. Amar'e Stoudemire's impact on the Suns franchise is also undeniable. This is a truly special group of inductees.”

— Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame President

What’s next

The official Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place between August 14-15, 2026 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The takeaway

This Hall of Fame class showcases the incredible diversity of talent and impact in basketball, from elite NBA coaching to WNBA dominance to iconic franchise players. Their induction cements their legacies as some of the most influential figures in the sport's history.